Tim Garden’s Thanksgiving Service

Hundreds of politicians, service personnel and friends of the late (Lord) Tim Garden thronged St Clement Danes church in the Strand in London this afternoon, for a thanksgiving service for his life. The choir of St Clement Danes provided sublime music, including ‘Lift Up Your Heads’ from Handel’s Messiah and the ‘Gloria’ from Schubert’s Mass in G. There were three memorable tributes from the pulpit: Tim’s widow Sue (now a peer in her own right, as Baroness Garden of Frognal); Andrew Brookes, an air force chum and life-long friend; and Lord (John) Roper, who knew Tim both through Chatham House and when Tim was himself ennobled. Both Garden daughters read, Antonia a moving poem by S Hall Young, and Alexandra Romans 12, vv9-18, 21.

‘After the service, we will walk to King’s College, for a reception in the Great Hall,’ Tim had told John Roper, as he made the preparations during his terminal cancer. And indeed we did, sad at a great man’s passing, but joyful that he brought so much intelligence, commitment and joie de vivre to all our lives.